Lock Joe Snyman scored the Scarlets only try - his first try for the region.
But the Welsh side found themselves out-scored two tries to one by Connacht who were indebted to scores from wing Daniel Poolman and lock Mike Swift at either end of the contest.

Connacht enjoyed a dramatic start with Poolman going over in the right corner after only 29 seconds latching on to fly-half Dan Parks' accurate cross kick, but Parks missed the conversion.

But following a break by centre Adam Warren the Scarlets got on to the scoreboard with a penalty from Owen Williams on five minutes.

Parks had the chance to restore his side's five-point lead but his 45-metre penalty shot rebounded off the right post. After soaking up a spell of pressure the Scarlets earned themselves a penalty which Williams kicked on 20 minutes to give the region a 6-5 lead.

But from Connacht's next attack Parks slotted over a drop goal to regain the lead for the Irishmen.

The lead changed hands for a third time with Williams landing his third penalty following a Connacht ruck offence, just before Parks missed a long penalty shot. But Parks' opposite number Williams converted one of two injury-time penalty attempts to give the Scarlets a 12-8 half-time lead.

The Scarlets eventually put some daylight between them and Connacht scoring 10 unanswered points.

First Snyman crashed over for a try converted by Williams, who then landed his fifth penalty as the region led 22-8. Before he left the fray Williams converted his sixth penalty.

But four minutes from time Connacht had the final say when replacement lock Mike Swift crashed over for a try converted by Miah Nikora.
But it was too little, too late for the Irishmen although they did have the consolation of knowing they had out-scored the Scarlets two tries to one.